Does Powder Sunscreen Work?
In the last decade sunscreen formulations have come a long way. We’ve waved goodbye to heavy, thick white creams that felt sticky and uncomfortable and invariably left our skin looking purple, white or even grey. And we’ve said hello to SPF’s that feel and look undetectable.
What’s more there are a plethora of formulas to choose from, think serums, gels, moisturisers, make-up hybrids, invisible sprays, and even powders. But with innovation comes scepticism, and the question we hear most often about powder formulas is do they really work? And the answer is, yes!
How traditional sunscreens work
There are two categories of sunscreen actives, chemical and mineral…
Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds like avobenzone or octinoxate, and they work by absorbing UV radiation, converting it into heat which is then released from the skin. What people generally like about them is that they can be lightweight and invisible, but a big bugbear is that they take at least 20 minutes to absorb and activate, and they can cause irritation on sensitive or reactive skin.
Mineral sunscreens on the other hand use physical blockers, primarily zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on the surface of the skin and reflect and scatter UV rays, blocking them from penetrating the skin. They work immediately are ideal for sensitive, and reactive skin types, and they're also the only type of active that can be formulated into a powder - which is why virtually all powder sunscreens are mineral-based.
Getting powder sunscreen right
To get a powder sunscreen formula right, the active mineral particles need to be distributed evenly enough across the skin to create a consistent protective barrier, too sparse, and the protection is patchy. But make the particles too large for extra coverage and the texture suffers. This means fine particles need the right delivery system, and a brush-on applicator is one of the best.
When applied correctly, think generously, in circular motions, with multiple passes, a mineral powder sunscreen delivers the same broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection as a cream or lotion formula. What it also delivers better than many traditional sunscreens on the market, is skin-tone-friendly reapplication over makeup. No cakey make-up, and no white cast, making it game changing for millions of people who never reapply their sunscreen if they’re wearing make-up.
Discover the Colorescience powder SPF
The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, is the only powder sunscreen recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation for active use, which is no small distinction.
What makes it stand apart starts with its EnviroScreen Technology, which goes beyond standard UV protection to defend against the full spectrum of environmental aggressors, think UVA and UVB, blue light (HEV), infrared radiation, and pollution. These are the daily exposures that drive premature ageing and skin damage, and most sunscreens don't address all of them.
The broad-spectrum SPF 50/ PA++++ formula is built on an all-mineral zinc oxide and iron oxide base, making it 100 percent free from chemical actives, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin. Iron oxide is a particularly notable inclusion, as it's the ingredient that provides meaningful defence against visible light and blue light, the kind emitted by screens and overhead lighting that standard mineral formulas leave largely unaddressed.
It's also infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration and a blend of antioxidants to neutralise free radicals and pollution-induced damage, so every application is both protective and nourishing. What’s more it’s water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes too.
The built-in brush applicator makes using it simple. You simply sweep the brush over the face, neck and ears in circular motions for at least 60 seconds, and reapply every two hours for continued protection.
Powder SPF does work
For anyone with oily skin, or who regularly wears make-up during the day, powder sunscreen is a godsend. The trick to getting it right, and making sure it works, is ensuring you’re applying enough of the powder all over the face, neck and ears. Be generous, they are designed to be layered, so they won’t leave your base looking cakey, we promise.